This week
Ballet Memphis made public their plans for their new $12.6 million headquarters in Overton Square. The architectural renderings feature ample outdoor space and transparent walls on the building.
The elements of the plan are designed to invite the community into the non-profits work, with the courtyards and plazas opening to the public sidewalks. The transparent walls make rehearsals a visible opportunity for those walking by. The design was created by archimania (who also designed nearby Hattiloo Theatre) and includes the non-profit's offices, a public cafe, five rehearsal studios and community space. Construction is to continue into 2017 by contractor Grinder Taber Grinder.
"The building, like a music box, has been conceived to contain a surprise and a treasure: dancers and their movement," reads archimania's website description of the project.
The 38,000-square-foot building will sit on the northeast corner of Cooper and Madison where the long empty French Quarter Inn was previously located.
"This is one of the most exciting and dynamic creative environments we've worked on here or anywhere.," said Todd Walker, Principal at archimania.
Dorothy Gunther Pugh, chief executive officer and founding artistic director of Ballet Memphis, said in written comments that the headquarters will be more than a stunning structure.
"It will help define how dance and movement can be experienced in the future, here or anywhere,” she said.
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